Defining Sexual Harassment

Up until around 1991, what constituted ‘sexual harassment’ was viewed as something an employee had to deal with on the job. 1991’s Civil Rights Act expanded the rights of employees against employers in cases of discrimination and harassment and made these actions illegal. The website for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) describes harassment as including but not limited to ‘sexual harassment’ or unwelcome sexual advances, or offensive remarks about a person’s sex. Workers’ protections constantly evolve as laws change. While some may be familiar with recent sex discrimination lawsuits or with what sex harassment is, it was not always this way. Women, such as Anita Hill, have brought attention to how serious the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace is and what action you can take if it is happening to you. Greater awareness and stronger laws may prevent future sexual harassment. But if you are working in the Kansas City area and experiencing similar mistreatment, such as discrimination and/or harassment at work, avenues for help include employment law firms, labor lawyers, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR), and the EEOC. An attorney may be able to help you better understand your rights.

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This is provided as a guide only, and not legal advice. Please contact our firm at 1-800-578-4357 for a no-charge legal consultation for sex harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination.